Police Training Sergeant

Fort Valley, GA
Fort Valley State University Police Department

Position Summary:

The Police Training Sergeant is responsible for the development, implementation, management, and evaluation of training programs for the Police Department to ensure that all personnel are highly qualified and well trained to perform their duties. Duties include coordinating the Police Department’s field training, in-service, and specialized training programs and ensuring sworn employees meet training requirements established by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST).

Essential Functions:

  • Plans, organizes, and implements all aspects of training needs for sworn and non-sworn personnel. Reviews, maintains, updates, and submits employee training records to comply with the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) requirements.
  • Oversee training curricula, materials, and personnel.
  • Assesses departmental training needs and meets those needs by aligning with subject matter experts to design and deliver instruction.
  • Develops training manuals, handbooks, and reference resources.
  • Identifies internal and external training programs to address competency gaps. Reviews and evaluates course materials for completeness, accuracy, and relevance.
  • Identifies, evaluates, and trains department instructors. Evaluate the delivery and effectiveness of courses provided through the Training Unit.
  • Provides guidance to individual employees on training plans and resources. Presents and facilitates training programs. •Facilitates learning through a wide variety of delivery methods including classroom instruction, virtual training, and on the job training.
  • Designs assessment tools to measure training effectiveness and reports assessment and design benchmarks for future training effectiveness.
  • Evaluates and makes recommendations on training material, resources, and methodology.
  • Maintains employee training records and on-going training needs.
  • Coordinates and handles training logistics and activities including training venues and equipment.
  • Sources and maintains relationships with external training vendors and suppliers.
  • Manages and oversees training budget.
  • Coordinates with the Office of Professional Standards (OPS) to guide recruits from hiring through training.
  • Maintains regular contact with the appropriate academy about recruit progress.
  • Reviews recruit performance oversees remediation training as necessary and recommends appropriate actions to the Division Commander.
  • Manages the Field Training Officer (FTO) program by collecting and reviewing Daily Observation Reports, communicating regularly with the Field Training Officers, and maintaining policy compliance within the program.
  • Prepares reports on the effectiveness of the FTO program as required by the Chief or designee.
  • Manages and maintains police training equipment, rooms, and facilities.
  • Manages scheduling of courses and ensures appropriate equipment and resources are available for instructors and attendees.
  • Develops and maintain strong interagency relationships.
  • Provide opportunities for partnering agencies to attend Police Department courses when available.
  • Collaborates with local and regional law enforcement agencies on joint training opportunities.
  • Assumes command of police personnel during training activities/classes.
  • Monitors/supervises department personnel during training activities/classes to ensure effectiveness, safety, and policy compliance.
  • Schedules firearms training activities to ensure proficiency throughout the department.
  • Provides guidance to employees related to career development.
  • Coordinates and schedules training for employees through regional academies.
  • Maintains supplies necessary to complete training requirements.
  • Communicates with Division Commanders and Lieutenant Commanders regularly to identify additional training needs of employees.
  • Performs public relations duties, represents the department at meetings and other functions, and speaks on a variety of law enforcement topics to civic, neighborhood, church, and school groups and at professional meetings and conferences.
  • Receives and responds to requests for information and complaints from the public regarding training activities, and requirements.
  • Prepares reports as needed identifying training accomplishments and needs.
  • Supervises and executes special details such as public gatherings and parades; performs special projects as directed by the Division Commander.
  • Conducts equipment inspections to ensure Officer safety and policy compliance.
  • Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required.
  • Operates department vehicle in performance of duties.

Requirements:

  • High School Education or GED required
  • Certified Peace Officer under regulations of Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.); valid Georgia Driver’s License; successfully pass pre-employment physical abilities test, medical and drug screen; satisfactory motor vehicle record (MVR); and acceptable background investigation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent decision-making skills and the ability to think and act quickly

Preferred Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in criminology, Criminal Justice, or related field.
  • Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience to include two (1) years at a supervisory level; four (4) years of experience in adult training methods, and managing, implementing and facilitating training programs in a law enforcement organization
  • Certification as a General and/or Firearms Instructor through POST required; Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities for the job may be considered in lieu of educational requirement.